Phil Porter relishes opportunity to help guide Cambridge City into new era

Fan joins Lilywhites' board of directors

Phil Porter is excited about the prospect of helping Cambridge City through a critical period in their history after being appointed to the board of directors.

A fan of the club for the past decade, Porter was invited to join the board by Lilywhites chairman Kevin Satchell and it was an opportunity that he could not refuse as the club prepare for their move to Sawston.

“I was proud and delighted when Kevin Satchell invited me onto the board,” said Porter.

“This is both a critical and exciting time in Cambridge City’s history, with the difficulties of the current ground share contrasting with the excitement of a new stadium in Sawston.

“I look forward to being able to make my own contribution to the club’s future.

“One of my first priorities will be to reach out to the fans and give everyone an opportunity to meet me.

“With this in mind I will be in the club bar after the Aylesbury game on the November 3 where I will be happy to answer questions and discuss any issues or concerns regarding the club.”

Porter lived close to City’s old Milton Road ground as a youngster, briefly attending the Milton Road primary school, but it was not until about 10 years ago that he first attended a game – when it was initially announced they would be leaving, although they remained for a further four years.

He quickly fell in love with the club, becoming a season ticket holder and has also been prominent in documenting City’s battle for a new ground, live reporting from their two High Court cases and writing about it for When Saturday Comes. He also started a Cambridge City Chatter podcast last season.

“The club has a community of supporters some of whom very quickly became my friends,” said Porter.

“I felt entirely at home there. It is hard to describe. Additionally the players are much closer to the fans, and it turned out that I knew one of the players already as he worked at my gym.

“I remember walking in on about my third or fourth visit, walking behind the goal on the way to my usual spot and a striker, who didn’t know me, said ‘alright mate’ to me as I walked past him. The walls between the players and fans are so thin. It’s just great.”

It was the gravity of the future for City that made Porter decide to document proceedings from the High Court, acting as a key bridge to supporters that were unable to attend on the day.

“Getting the ground built is basically the only thing that matters to the club,” he said.

“Fans and players look at the league table, and the results of course, but if we don’t get a ground the club will cease to be, at least at the level it is at the moment.

“The process of getting things in place didn’t go as anyone expected, but I found the journey really interesting. Seeing the future of Cambridge City decided by the legal system in the high court in London was a surreal and entirely unforgettable experience - but hopefully one that we won’t have to repeat.

“I decided to tweet because I wanted to share my experiences and had the opportunity to give fans a commentary on one of the biggest battles the club had to face.”

Satchell said: “Phil is keen and enthusiastic and will bring fresh input to the City board. He is known by many of our fans, and has assisted in several areas over the last couple of years.

“I am sure he will become a valuable member of the board as we prepare to relocate the club to our new stadium at Sawston.”